Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 115288 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115288 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 576(@200wpm)___ 461(@250wpm)___ 384(@300wpm)
“I’ll be able to throw kick-butt parties for my nieces and nephews, starting with this little princess.” I give Ella a kiss on the cheek.
She takes my face in both of her hands and plants a wet one to the left of my nose.
“You know Ella was crying for half an hour before London palmed her off on you.”
“London’s stressed. Babies feel that.” And I’m sure London thought it would be fine to bring Ella to Spark House since the birthday party isn’t going to take the whole day. “Where’s Jackson, anyway?” Jackson is London’s husband and owns Holt Media, a massive company that started up an initiative called Teamology. It pairs companies with sponsors to help put small businesses on the map. Since Teamology took Spark House under its wing a couple of years ago, we’ve grown by leaps and bounds.
“He had a meeting this morning. And Declan is out with the guys.” She glances around the tent. “Do you need help with anything?”
“I don’t think so. Catering has set up everything in the food tent. Crafts and games are all organized, the adult tent has appetizers and beverages ready to be served, and guests should be arriving shortly. I think we’re good.”
As sad as I am about my birthday parties ending, I know changes are coming. Recently we’ve been in talks with the owners of Mills Hotels, who run some of the most luxurious and prestigious hotels in the world. They’ve expressed interest in helping us expand even further by creating a Spark House franchise. It’s a huge opportunity, and if it happens, it could take Spark House to an entirely new level. The kind of level where afternoon children’s birthday parties are definitely off the table.
I can see the value in it, especially for my sisters, who are both starting families and need the security and the time. I know that in the grand scheme of things, it will give us incredible exposure. And financially it will help us move forward. But at the same time, the things that I love most about Spark House, and my role here, keep shifting. I feel as though I’m always rushing to try to catch up with the changes. And like we’re leaving behind the hands-on approach, which is something I’ve always enjoyed.
“Okay, well, if you’re good here, I’ll just leave you to it. Do you want me to take Ella back to London?”
“You can leave her with me for now. I’ll let you know if I need backup.”
Avery heads in the direction of the main house, and I deflate a little. Just because I know the birthday parties aren’t good for our bottom line doesn’t mean I’m not disappointed about losing them. They’ve been my baby for almost two years and I really love planning them. Plus, it’s given me an opportunity to work with kids on a semiregular basis, which is something I’ve missed. It reminds me of the days when I used to be a nanny. It’s not a road I’ll likely ever go down again. Not after what almost happened the last time.
I swallow the familiar unease that comes with just thinking about that time in my life. Ella’s chubby, damp hand settles against my cheek. Her expression is serious when I give her my attention again, as though she can sense the change in my mood.
My phone buzzes from the pocket in my poofy skirt. I have to push layers of tulle out of the way, but I finally manage to find the opening and pull it free. I hold it up to my face to unlock it, and Ella tries to grab it with her spit-covered fingers.
I raspberry her cheek while I open the message from my boyfriend.
Chad: Meet up later for drinks with A&A at the Firkin? Sevenish? I can pick you up.
The sound of tires rolling over pavement alerts me to the arrival of our first guests. “It’s showtime!” I say to Ella, who mimics my wide eyes.
I respond to the text with a thumbs-up and slip my phone back into my pocket with just as much trouble as I had retrieving it, then leave the dress-up tent so I can greet the partygoers.
Twenty minutes later the backyard is buzzing with energy. Twelve eight- to eleven-year-olds bounce around excitedly, all dressed up as their favorite princess.
The parents are standing in small groups in the adult tent set up a short distance away from the party. Close enough that they can observe what’s happening, but far enough that they’re not directly in their kids’ line of sight. They have a dedicated bartender who is serving a lovely array of cocktails and a table of appetizers. I’ve found the adult tent is much needed at these events.
There’s also a late lunch scheduled to be brought out at three. It’s buffet style, but a heck of a lot more exciting than the pizza, salad, and subs the kids are having. Although I’m never one to turn down a good slice of cheesy pizza.